Pyrophoric lighter



Oct. 29, 1935. 5c. J; LAGERHOLM PYRoPHoRIc LIGHTER Filed oct. 25, 195o zneets-sneet i Oct. 29, 1935. c. J. LAGERHOLM I PYRoPHoRIc LIGHTER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 25, 193Q umu-ul Patented Oct. Z9, 1935 UNITED STATES PYROPHORIC LIGHTER,

Carl Julius Lagerholm, Attleboro, Mass., assgnor to Evans Case Company,v North Attleboro, Mass., a corporation of Massachusetts Application October 25, 1930, Serial No. 491,113 is'claims. (orsi-'1.1)

This invention relates to lighting devices and more particularly to a device in which a wick is ignited by sparks mechanically produced.

One of the objects of the invention is to provide a device of the character indicated which shall be of durable construction and absolutely reliable and lasting in operation. Another object of the invention is to provide a device of the character indicated of sturdy construction and having parts readily susceptible of manufacture in large quantities at reasonable cost. object of the invention is to provide 'a device of this character which at one operation produces enough sparks to ignite the wick several times l5 over in order that a light may be obtained under the least favorable circumstances met with in practice. Another object of the invention is to provide a device of this character in which there is a minimum amount of friction and wear of the parts. Another object ofthe invention is to provide acompact and readily portable lighter that will be neat and attractive in appearance. Another object of the invention is to eliminate, in a device of this character, the possibility of dirt and other foreign matter obtaining entrance to the working parts. Another object of the invention is to provide a lighter of the above-mentioned character adapted to prevent injury to the finger or thumb of a user when operating the device. Other objects will be in part obvious or in part pointed out hereinafter. This application is a continuation in part of my copending application Serial Number 359,740, filed May 2, 1929.

The invention accordingly consists in the fea tures of construction, combinations of elements, and arrangements of parts, as will be exemplified in the structure vto be hereinafter described, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the following claims.

, In the accompanying drawings, in vwhich is shown one of various possible embodiments 'of the mechanical features of this invention,

Figure 1 is a side elevation on an enlarged scale of approximately the upper half of a pocket lighter constructed in accordance with the invention,

. Figure 2 is a vertical sectional view through the lighter through substantially the widest part thereof, also showing the parts enlarged,

Figure 3 isa cross sectional view on the same scale as Figures 1 and 2 and taken on the line Figure 4 is a. plan view, on a smaller scale, of the lighter as seen from the top in Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a view, on a smaller scale, of the bottom plate of the lighter` as seen from the bottom of Figure 2. A

Figure 6 is a plan view. o f the top wall and Another,

mechanism-containing well of the lighter, showing the parts on the same scale as in Figure l,

Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view taken on the line 'l--1 of Figure 2,

i Figure 8 is a fragmentary vertical sectional 5 view similar to the upper portionof Figure 2 but showing the finger piece depressed and the snuffer raised,

Figure 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken ,on the line 9--9 of Figure 8, 10 Figure 10 is an isometric view of one of the two shells which together form the fuel tank,

Figure 11 is an isometric view of the finger piece member, and

Figure 12 is an isometric lview of the snuffery 15 member and ratchet rack.

Similar reference characters refers to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawlrlgS.

Referring now more particularly to Figures l.

2, 3, and 10, I provide a fuel tank 28 which desirably consists of a pair of shells 2| of the shape indicated in Figure 10 suitably fastenedhftogether as by solder. The shells 2| may be'produ'ced in quantity by pressing them out of sheet metal with 25V a die. 'Ihe fuel tank 20 has a bottom wall 22 having a pairI of orifices 23 and 2t. The orice 23 is threaded and is normally closed by means of a threaded closure plug 25 having a disc-like bottom 26 provided with a knurled edge. The 30 disc portion 26 ts in a depression 2l provided for it, which depression 21, however, is of such diameter that the knurled portion extends at the sides beyond -the bottom wall'22, as is clearly shown in Figure 5, so that the closure 25 may be 35 readily unscrewed. Liquid fuel is introduced into the tank'20 through the orifice 23 which thereafter may be closed by the closure 25, a leather washer 28 being provided in the depression 21 to forma tight seal. The threaded portion of 40 the closure 25, as is clearly shown in Figure 2,

is hollow and receives a container 29 for extra pieces of pyrophoric metal. As is better shown in Figure 3, the container29 may comprise a cylindrical member split down the center with a 45 closed top, as such a member is adapted to be frictionally held in the hollow portion of the closure 25 by reason of the tendency of its side y walls to expand. l,

Again referring toFigure 2, the orifice 24 has 50 secured in it, desirably lby solder, the lower vend of a tube 3o. The tube 30 contains a spring 3| the upper end, of which is coiled'about the shank of aplunger 32 engaging a piece'33 of pyrophoricv metal or other-substance adapted to 55 produce sparks. The bottom end of the spring 3| is coiled abouta knob 34 formed on the upper, end of a threaded member 35 adapted to be screwed into thelower end of the tube 3u which is internally threaded for that purpOSe. The 60 threaded member 85 has a knurled disc portion 36 similar to the knurled disc portion 28 and adapted to seat in a recess 31, the knurled portion of the disc 36 extending beyond the sides of the bottom wall 22, as is shown inFigure 5. Thus the screw 35, the spring 3|, the plunger 22 andthe pyrophoric metal 32 may be removed' from the tube 80 at any time for the purpose, for example, of replacing a worn or very much reduced piece of pyrophoric metal with a fresh piece.

Referring now to F'igures 2- and 3, the top of the fuel tank 26 issealedbyatopwallange portion 40 which may be secured to the fuel tank by solder.. Extending downwardly from the top wall flange portion 40, and desirabb also soldered to the shells 2| of the fuel tank 2l aswell asto the top wall flange portion 48, are the walls lar shaped well 42, the sides and bottom of the well 42, the flange 48 and a short capped tube 43, the purpose of which will hereinafter be made apparent, forming the upper closure for the fuel tank 20.

Thetubelllextendsthroughanopeninguin the bottom wall of the member 4I and the upper end of the tube 36 is supported by a platform 45 extending inwardly from the flange 40, the platform having, as is best shown in lgure 6, a partial orifice 46. The tube 86 is made fast to the platform 45 and the bottom ofthe member capeoffuelfromthetanknbysolderingorin any other suitable manner.

Desirably integrally formed with the top w ange portion 46 are a pmr'of upwardly extending side members 41, 414 which are best shown in Figures 6 and 8. Extending between these side members 41, 41, and near the front thereof, as is bestshowninFigures7and8,isashaft48,one

.end ofwhich, as49.isthreadedandtbeotherend of which has a slot therein. AThe threaded end 49 of the screw 48 ts in a threaded hole 58l formed in one of the side platos 41, while the other end of said screw 48 passes through an aligned hole in the other side member 41.

Referring more particularly to Figures 3 and 7,. jpurnaled on the shaft 48 so as to be freely rotatable thereon is an abrasive wheel 5i which, as is best shown in Figure 2, desirablyhas teeth 52 resembling ratchet teeth. The abrasive wheel 5I is in contact with the upper end of the pyrophoricmetal 82 which is urged against the teeth 52 by means of the spring 8|; when the abrasive wheel 5| is rotated in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2. portions of the pyrophoric metal 38 are torn from the body thereof and form a shower of sparks directed fp the left -in said gure.,

Asbestshowninlllgures'landlLthereare `likewise freelyjournaled on the shaft 48 a pair of .dat side arms 54, 54 forming the forward part of a finger piece member 55.

joined together by skirt portions 56 and a back 51,.',th`e arms, the skirts and 'the back belngdeportions andthebackisaiingerensasine portion 58 which may be fastened skirt and back portions asv finger piece portion 58 closes over v spscebetweenthetwoskirtportionsandthe backwall51. Referringnow Thisflngerpiece ber'58 issecuredtotheinsideoftheskirtportions 55, and the finger portion 58, and all theseparts together form a closure 68 for a spring 5I. Thebotto'mofthespl'ing 5l fltsinthetllbe the position shawn inv Figure 2, but that sindV 10 finger piece may be readily' depressed by-pressure on the portion 58. The front ends of the arms 54, 54 are provided with holes 62, 63 through which the shaft 48 passes, and when the finger portionllisdepressedtheentirengerpiece 55 15 swings downwardly around the shaftv48 as a pivot; the skirt portions 56 and the-.back 51 move into the well 42, and it is here noted that the shape of the back 51 aud the skirt portions y."16, 56 andthe openingtothe well 42 is such thatinzo any position of the finger piece 55 the well is substantially closed, thus preventing dirt from getting into the well42, At the same time. by the provision of the skirts 56 and the back portion 51, the user'is prevented from pinching his own 25 fingers.

AsisbestshowninHgures8 and l|,extending between the skirts 55,56 of the i'lnger 55 is a pin 64 the ends of which t in holes provided in Y Saidskirtportions. Onthispin64isaroller65 .'l0` f the purpose of which will be hereinafter ex- 4|,andtheopening44issea1edLagainstthees--' plained. 0n the front of the farther arm 54, Figure 11, is a downwardly extending lug 66 the purpose of which will also be hereinafter explained. Still referring to Figure Il, opposite 35 each other in the arms 54, 54 of the finger piece member 55 are a pair of arcuate slots 61,- 61, the curve of which is drawn on a radius extending from the pivotgrd 4Q ,and through the slots 61- extends a shaft seenowFigure '7) upon which 40 is pivotally moimted a snuffer -member 16.

The snuffer member which is generally designated by the numeral 1li is shown in .perspective in Figure 12 and may be best comprehended from ,tions 54, 54 and the skirts 56, 56 ofthe finger piece member 55, the pin 68 passing through 55 holes in the sides 12 of the snuifer member and being preferably journaled in a sleeve- 15 (see Figure 1) which extends between said side porv tions 12 and is suitably expanded at the ends to hold it in position there being desirably inwardly expanded portions 16 of the. side members 12 'to form a wide support for the sleeve 15. Thus the snufier member 1l is pivotally mounted on the pivot shaft 68 which in -turn is fastened to the upwardly extending side members 41 pro- 65 vided by the top flange member 40 of the lighter, and the bearing is a wide one, making the action free and involving a minimum of friction.

. Referring to Figures 7, 8, and l2, the rear portion of the topplate 1I -of the snuffer member 18 is bent over at 11 and nts beneath the forwardly extending end of the finger portion 58 of the finger piece member 55. A pair of slots 18, 18 are formed'in opposite sides of the downwith a beveled lower 18, and the metal cut away to make these slots is forced inwardly to form seat portions 80, 88 for the reception of the roller 65 that is journaled on the pin 84 of the finger piece member 55. When the nger piece member 55 is depressed, the roller 65 will press downwardly the back side of the snuiier member 18, by engagement with the seats 88, 88, and said seats are so close to'the pivot pin 68 for the snuifer member 18 that depression of the nger piece 55 to the extent indicated in Figure 8 will raise lthe snufer member 18 through a considerable arc and distance. Furthermore, such movement is accompanied with very little friction by reason of the provision of the roller bearing 65. Referring to Figures 2 and 8`, the bent over portion 11 forms a protective seal to prevent foreign matter being caught in the mechanism of the lighter without in any way interfering with its action. It also renders the lighter more pleasing in appearance as viewed from the top.

At the front of the snuier member 18 and Y received within the downwardly extending side walls 13, 13 and the rounded front portion 14, as is clearly shown in Figures 2, 8, and 12, is a snuifer cap 8| consisting of a cylindrical member lip 82. As is best shown in Figure 2, the beveled lower lip 82 of the snuer member 8| is adapted to seat against a mating beveled portion 83 provided on an upwardly extending projection 84 formed on the top wall flange 48. In this portion 84 is a threaded opening 85 which extends into the inside of the fuel tank 28, and fitting in this opening is a threaded bushing 86 inside of which is a wick 81. The upper part of the wick 81 is normally received inside the snuffer cap 8|, while the bottom thereof extends into the inside of the tank 28 which is desirably filled with cotton wool, not shown.

When the nger piece 55 is depressed, the snuffer cap 8| is raised and sparks are directed by rotation of the abrasive wheel 5| on the pyrophoric metal 33 against the wick 81 so that the wick is ignited and provides a iiame, the snuifer 8| being carried well out of the way by depression of the ringer piece 55, as is well shown in Figure 8. Whan the snuffer cap 8| is in theposition shown n Figure 2, the fuel is effectively sealed in'the ta ik 28, the cap bearing firmly against the seat 83 by the pressure of the spring 6| transmitted through the roller 65 and the top of the slots 18, 18. Specific features of the portion 84 and the bushing 88 are claimed in my copending application Serial Number 359,740, hereinbefore referred to.

I have provided a device for causing rotation of the sparking wheel 5| wheneverk the snuifer member 18 is rocked into open position, and this device is so organized that there is no tendency of the sparking wheel 5| to rotate in the reverse direction when the parts spring back to original position, and moreover, the lighter may be lighted by only a partialmovement of the nger piece 55. Referring now particularly to Figures l, 8, and 12, extending between the side members 13 of the snuffer member 18 is a pin 88 upon which pin is mounted a spring 88, one end of which presses against the bottom of the top piece 1| of the snuffer member 18 and the other end of which is looped around portion of an arcuate ratchet-rack 88. Thisratchet rack is pivotally mounted upon the pin 88 and has ratchet teeth 8| which are located on the inside of the curve in engagement with a ratchet wheel 82 that is rigidly fastened to the abrasive wheel 5|. The

teeth 83 of the ratchet wheel, as is best shown in Figure 1, face in a direction opposite to that of the teeth 52 of the abrasive wheel 5|, while the teeth 8| of the ratchet rack face in the proper direction to cause rotation of said ratchet wheelV when the ratchet `rack 88 is moved upwardly. One or more teeth of the ratchet rack 88 will catch one or more teeth 83 of the ratchet wheel 82 after only a limited movement -of the snuffer member 18 upwardly. In fact it has been found that as many as three successive lightings of the Wick 81 can be effected by a single movement of the nger piece portion 58 from its upper to its lowermost position. Nevertheless and-notwithstanding, there is no tendency of the ratchet rack 88 to rotate the ratchet wheel 92 when the snufer is moving downwardly because the respective teeth 8| and 83 readily slide over each other. Referring particularly to Figure 3, there is desirably provided awasher 84 between one arm 63 and the abrasive wheel 5| so that the abrasive wheel 5| and the ratchet Wheel 82 may turn with very little friction other than that caused by the pyrophoric metal 33.

It should be observed -that not only is the snuifer member 18 moved through a relatively wide arc when the finger portion 58 is moved from top to bottom, but that the size and posi-` tion ofthe ratchet rack 88 in relation tov the diameter of the ratchet wheel 82 is such that depression of the nger portion 58 results in a very considerable angular movement of the abrasive wheel 5|. By a quick depression of the finger portion 58 a high velocity may be imparted to the abrasive wheel 5|.

Referring now particularly to Figures 6 and 7, the ratchet rack 88 is guided laterally on one side by the edge 85 of the platform 45, so that said ratchet rack cannot directly encounter the teeth 52 of the abrasive wheel 5|. yThe ratchet rack 88 is prevented from moving forwardly beyond a distance suflicient to allow it yto clear the teeth 83 of the ratchet wheel 82 when moving downwardly by one edge 86 of the top wall flange portion 48. The downwardly extending lug 66 on the front of one of the arms 54 effectively guides the ratchet rack 88 on the other side, `and prevents its teeth from catching in the front of this arm or in any other part other than the teeth 83 ofthe ratchet wheel 82. The spring 88 urges the teeth 8| of the ratchet rack 88 into engagement with the teeth 83 of the ratchet wheel 82, but the 'shape of the ratchet rack 88 and its relation to the pivots 64 and 88 and the ratchet wheel 82 is such vthat there is a natural tendency when the snuffer 18 is moving upwardly for the-teeth 8| and 83 to engage each other. Many of the advantages of the construction shown would be retained if a friction tending to restrain turning of the ratchet rack 88 on the pin 88 were substituted for the spring '88. I

As is indicated on the Iright hand side of Figure 1, the shells 2| preferably have chasing 81 in any attractive design formed on their outer surfaces. At each end of the fuel tank 28 is glued a piece of leather 88, and overlapping these leather portions, a-s is best shown in Figure 1, are pieces of leather 88 which adhere rmlv to the shells 2| by reason of the chasing on said shells, the glue or other adhesive having a strong ailinity for metal with an irregular surface. Thus the entire article is a leather covered article and is very attractive in appearance, and furthermore, when the leather wears out or-becones soiled, it may be stripped off and the article is still attractive in appearance.

- Y features are such that there is little tendency of any of its parts to catch in the pocket of the user, and the wide bulges |00 further form a protection to prevent catching of any ofthe parts in the pocket. The fuel tank shells 2| likewise desirably bulge in the other two dimensions, as shown in .The lighter may be operated by holding it in one hand and depressing the nger engaging portion 58 with the thumb of the same hand or with a finger, whereupon the snuer member 10 rises, uncovering the wick 81, and the abrasive wheel 5| rotates, sending a shower of sparks from the pyrophoric metal 33 onto the wick 81, which then ignites and produces a steady dame. The lighter is easy to operate by reason of the roller-64 which eliminates friction and operation thereof produces such a strong shower of sparks owing to the rapid rotation of the sparking wheel 52 that ignition is certain even under difficult conditions by reason, among other things, of the strong boxlike construction of the linger piece and snuer. Even after long and hard usage the mechanism operates easily, there being no tendency of any part to jam or break. By reason of the long space provided for the spring 6| it can be made to have ample tension so as to maintain the cap 8| firmly against the beveled seat 83 effectively preventing evaporation of fuel when the lighter is not being used.

It will thus be seen that there has been provided by this invention an article and apparatus in which the various objects hereinabove set forth, together with many thoroughly practical advantages, aresuccessfully achieved.

As many possible embodiments may be made of 'the above invention and as many changes might be made in the embodiment above set forth, it is to be understood that all matter hereinbefore set forth, or shown in the accompanying drawings, is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim:

1. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming a well in the top of said fuel compartment, a wick extending throughthe top of said fuel compartment substantially adjacent said well, sparking apparatus related to said top adjacent said wick and adapted to throw sparks on said wick when actuated, a lever member pivotally mounted above saidwell and having its pivotal axis located on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, said lever member and said sparking apparatus being interrelated so that pivotal movement of said lever member actuates said sparking apparatus, a ngerpiece mounted above vsaid welly and shaped to be depressed into said well, and means interrelating said iingerpiece with said lever member so that said lever member pivots about its .axis when said iingerpiece is depressed into said well.

2. InV construction for lighters and the like, in'- combination, a fuel compartment, means formingy a well in the top of said fuel compartment, a wick extending through the top of said fuel compartment substantially adjacent said well, sparking apparatus related to said top adjacent said wick and adapted to throw sparks on said wick when actuated, a lever member pivotally mounted above so that said lever member pivots about its axis when said ilngerpiece is depressed into said well, 'and a spring disposed within said well and holding said fingerpiece in an extended position.

3. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming a well in the top of said fuel compartment, a wick l5 extending through the top of said fuel compartment substantially adjacent said well, sparking apparatus related to said top adjacent said wick and adapted to throw sparks on said wick when actuated, a lever member pivotally mounted 20 above said well and having its pivotal axis located on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, said lever member and said sparking apparatus being interrelated so that pivotal movement of said lever member actuates said 25 sparking apparatus, a ngerpiece mounted above said well and shaped to be depressedinto said well, means interrelating said ngerpiece with said lever member so that said lever member pivots about its axis when said ngerpiece is de- 30 pressed into said well, and a snuer member shaped to nt over said wick secured to said lever member.

4. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuelcompartment, means forming o5 a Wellin the top side of said fuel compartment and closed off therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said combetween said ear members and having its pivotal point on the same axis 'as therotating member of said sparking apparatus. said iingerpiece adapted to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point. and means forming an inter- 5 5 connection between said iingerpiece and said lever member so-that downward movement of said fingerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect ,to the top of said compartment.

5. `In construction for lighters and the like, in combintion,'a fuelcompartment, means forming a well in the top side'of said fuel compartment and closed oif therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said com- 65 partment adjacent said well, .a. wick extending through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said -wlck and including -amember rotatably mounted between said ear members, a lever member mounted between 7o said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being o'n the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, meansforming a connection between sparking 40 A Dio adapted to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point, means forming an interconnection between said ngerpiece and said lever member so that downward movement of said fingerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect to the top of said compartment, and a snuier member shaped to fit about said wick and connected to the end portion of said lever member.

6. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment,'means forming a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed olf therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and including a member rotatably mounted between said ear members, a lever member mounted between said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, means forming a connection between said sparking apparatus and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member actuates said sparking apparatus` to throw sparks on said wick, a ngerpiece pivotally mounted between said ear members and having its pivotal point on the same axisas the rotating member` of said sparking apparatus, said flngerpiece adapted to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point, means forming an interconnection between said flngerpiece and said lever member so that downward movement of said fingerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect to the top of said compartment,A and a spring disposed within said well and pressing against said flngerpiece.

7. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means form ing a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed oi therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending -through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and including a member rotatably mounted between lsaid ear members, a lever member mounted between said ear members, -the pivotal axis. thereof being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, means forming a connection between said sparking apparatus and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member actuates said sparking apparatus to throw sparks on said wick, a flngerpiece pivotally 'mounted between said ear members and having its pivotal' point on the same axis as the rotating member of said sparking apparatus, said flngerpiece adapted to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point, means forming an interconnection between said flngerpiece and said lever member so that downward movement of saidV iingerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect to the top of said compartment, and a spring disposed within said well and pressing againstk said flngerpiece, said spring being spaced from the axis of the rotating member of said sparking apparatus to hold said fingerpiece in an extended position.A` r y 8. In construction forlighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite o a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed oi therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending through the top of said compartment, sparking 5 apparatus located adjacent said wick and including a member rotatably mounted between said ear members, a lever member mounted between said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being on the siie of said sparking apparatus opposite 110 said wick, means forming` a connection between said sparking apparatus and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member Y actuates said sparking apparatus to throw sparks on said wick, a ngerpiece pivotally mounted between said ear members and having its pivotal point on the same axis as the rotating member of said sparking apparatus, said flngerpiece adapted to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point, means forming an interconnection between said flngerpiece and saidlever member so that downward movement of said fingerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect to the top of saidcompartment, a snuiier member shaped to nt about said wickand connected to the end portion of said lever member, and a resilient member disposed within said well and pressing against said fingerpiece to hold said flngerpiece in its extended position substantially above said well. 9. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed of! therefrom, a pair ofspaced n ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending through the .top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and including a member rotatably mounted between said ear members, a lever member mounted be'- tween said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, a rack pivotally connected to said lever member adjacent the rotating member of said sparking apparatus and extending into said well, means interrelating said rack with said rotating member so that when said lever member pivots about its axis away from said sparking apparatus said rotating member is rotated', a flngerpiece mounted between said ear members above said well on the side of the axis of said lever member opposite from said sparking apparatus, `and means forming a mechanical connection betweensaid ngerpiece and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member is effected when said ngerpiece is depressed Y ment and closed oil. therefrom, aipair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending .through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and includ- I ing a member rotatably mounted between saidv ear members, a lever member mounted betweensaid ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being said wick, a rack'pivotally connected to said lever l member adjacent the rotating member of said sparking apparatus and extending into said well, means interrelating said rack with said rotating member so that when said lever member pivots well on the side of the axis of said lever member opposite from said sparking apparatus, means Y forming a mechanical connection between said iingerpiece and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member is effected when said iingerpiece is depressed into said well to.

move saidlever member away from said sparking apparatus, and a snuier member secured to said lever member shaped and positioned to t over said wick when said lever member is in its lowered position.

ing a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed off therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent. said well, a wick extending through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and including a member rotatably mounted between said ear members, a 'lever membermounte'd between said ear members, the pivotal axis there-v of being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, a rack pivotally connected to said lever member adjacent the rotating member of said sparking apparatus and extending into said well, means interrelating said rack with said rotating member so that when said lever member pivots about its axis away from said sparking apparatus said rotating lmember is rotated, a ngerpiece mounted between said ear members above said well on the side of the axis of Asaid lever member opposite from said sparking 12. In construction for lighters and the like, in-

combination, a fuel compartment, means forming f a well in the top side o f said fuel compartment and closed off therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending-Q through the top of said compartment, sparking:

wparatus located adjacent said wickand including amember rotatably mounted between said ear members. a lever member mounted between said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being onrthe side of said sparking apparatus opposite said W191i. a rack pivotally connected to said lever member adjacent the rotating member of said sparking apparatus and extending into, said well, means interrelating said rack with said rotating member so that when said lever member pivots about its axis away from said sparking apparatus said rotating member is rotated, a `fingerpiece mounted lbetween said ear members above said well on the side of the axis Aof said lever member opposite from said sparking apparatus, means-forming` a mechanical connection between said ngerpiece and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever member'is .effected when said ilngerpiece is depressed into said well to move said lever member away from said sparking apparatus, a snuffer member secured'to said lever member shaped and positioned to fit over said wick when said lever member is in its lowered position, and a spring member disposed within said well and pressing against said ilngerpiece.

13. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming a well in the top side of said fuel compart-v ment and closed oft therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the top of said 10; compartment adjacent said well, a wick extending through the top of said compartment, sparking apparatus located adjacent said wick and in- ,i .cluding a member rotatably mounted betweenv 1l. In construction for lighters and the like, '1 in combination, a fuel compartment, means forml' said ear members, a lever member mounted be--15 tween said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof ,being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, means forming a connection between said sparking apparatus and said lever member so that pivotal movement of said lever'go member actuates said sparking apparatus to throw sparks on said wick, a ngerpiece pivotally mounted between said ear members and having its pivotal point on the same axis as the rotating member ofsaid sparking apparatus, said 25 i ngerpiece adapted to move downwardly into f Asaid well about its pivotal point. and means forminga pin and slot connection between said 'ngerpiece and said lever member so that downward movement of said flngerpiec'e into said weil 30 pivots said lever member upwardly with respect the top of said compartment.

14. In construction for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment, means forming a well in the top side of said fuel compartment and closed off therefrom, a pair of spaced ear members extending above the topof said compartment adjacent said well, a wick extend- .ing through the top of said compartment, spark-A fing -apparatus located ,adjacent said wick and 'io including a member rotatably mountedvbetween I said ear members, a lever member mounted between said ear members, the pivotal axis thereof being on the side of said sparking apparatus opposite said wick, means forming a connection bejtween said sparking apparatus and said lever v member so that pivotal movement of said lever member actuates said sparking apparatus to throw -sparks on said wick, a ngerpiece pivotallyfmounted between said ear members and 5o having its pivotal point on the same axis as the rotating member of said sparking apparatus, said flngerpiece adapted'to move downwardly into said well about its pivotal point, means formlng a pin and slot connection between said iingerpiece and said lever member so that downward movement of said flngerpiece into said well pivots said lever member upwardly with respect to the top of said compartment, anda snuffer member shaped to nt about said wick and connected to the end'portion of said lever member. 15. In commotion for lighters and the like, in combination, a fuel compartment having a well formed in the top side thereof, a wick extending from said fuel compartment adjacent said well, 65

sparking apparatus adjacent said wick, a pair of levers pivotally mounted above said welll and adapted to move into said well, and means interrelating said sparking apparatus with said levers whereby actuation of said lever's operates 70 said sparking apparatus.

' CARL-JULIUS LAGERHOLM. 

